Class of 2025
Marissa Westerland, MD
Marissa Westerland, MD
Undergraduate Education
UC Davis, Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior
Medical Education
UC Davis
Passions/interests
LGTBQ and Gender health, Adolescent medicine, Women’s health, POCUS and Sports Medicine
How I thrive
Eating lots of yummy food, camping and adventuring with my husband, dancing and listening to live music
Bio
As a native of Santa Rosa, I am so lucky to finally return home to train in and serve the community that raised me! Growing up in Rincon Valley, I felt inspired by the intersection of food, nature, and wellness deeply present in the culture of Sonoma County. After graduating from UC Davis (Go Ags!), I returned home to take care of my mom through her cancer diagnosis and treatment. During this difficult time, I also started working with amazing full spectrum family doctors in West Sonoma County and learned many lessons those years on both sides of the caregiver/patient and provider relationship. Notably, I learned that the impact of a physician far transcends the four walls of the exam room, and the longitudinal relationships we can develop are both incredibly healing and a gift. I carried these lessons with me back to UC Davis for medical school, where I obtained additional immersive rural community health experience within the Rural PRIME track. With a desire to return home, I chose to train at Kaiser Santa Rosa because of the strong emphasis on preventative medicine, primary care, and the value placed on comprehensive team based medicine. I am looking forward to all the opportunities and relationships I will have here during my time at Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa!
Timothy Kim, DO, MPH
Timothy Kim, DO, MPH
Undergraduate Medical Education
Rutgers University, majoring in Neuroscience, Public Health, Psychology
Medical Education
Touro University California
Interests
Integrative and lifestyle medicine, healthcare entrepreneurship, community public health, full-spectrum medicine, marine biology, economics
How I thrive
Spending quality time with loved ones, being out in nature (hiking, backpacking, fishing), and nerding out on DIY projects
Bio
I was born and raised on the East Coast, from the countryside of North Carolina to the insomniac city of Manhattan. Growing up, I was that kid that preferred National Geographic magazines to comic books. The sciences always captivated me, but it wasn't till I spent a year living in Southeast Asia for missions with my family that I discovered my passion for the humanities and subsequently, medicine. I went to Rutgers University in New Jersey and graduated with a degree in Neuroscience, Public Health and Psychology. Upon graduating, I joined a Manhattan urgent care start-up where I sharpened my clinical acumen as well as my skills in healthcare entrepreneurship. I worked extensively in Haiti with a non-profit organization to implement healthcare models that sustainably provide rural villages with medical care. Eager to practice medicine, I came to the west coast for medical school at Touro University California, during which I was accepted to the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship and completed an additional year of training as a Medical Innovation Fellow. I founded a non-profit vertical farm that uses hydroponics to help alleviate urban food deserts and provide nutrition education to patients with chronic metabolic diseases. Kaiser Permanente was one of the big supporters of this project and I had the pleasure of working alongside many community champions from it. I chose to train at KP Santa Rosa to continue working with this amazing community, the creative and innovative culture and the opportunity to learn in a well-oiled healthcare infrastructure. I am a proponent of integrative and lifestyle medicine and aspire to provide my patients with guidance and resources to achieve long-term wellness and health. I look forward to serving the Sonoma community as one of its family docs!
Pronouns
He/Him
Kevin Walker, MD
Kevin Walker, MD
Undergraduate Education
San Jose State University, Bachelor's of Science in Biochemistry
Medical Education
California Northstate University College of Medicine
Interests
Preventative Medicine, Behavioral Medicine, and Health Education
How I thrive
Hiking, climbing, and spending time with family and friends
Bio
I was born and raised in San Jose, CA and attended San Jose State University where I majored in Biochemistry. I then attended California Northstate University College of Medicine in Elk Grove, CA. I am thrilled to be able to remain in Northern California for this next stage of my training. Family Medicine allows me to build meaningful, long-term relationships with patients and gives me an opportunity to participate in their health through all stages of life. Kaiser Permanente is a leader in the healthcare field, and its focus on preventative care and wellness are reasons why I am so excited to continue training here. Santa Rosa has such wonderful community and exceptional outdoor activities, and I am grateful for the opportunity to live and learn in this beautiful area.
Pronouns
He/him
Shoshannah Rubin, DO
Shoshannah Rubin, DO
Undergraduate Education
Pitzer College, Human biology & Spanish
Medical Education
A.T. Still University
Interests
Plant-based lifestyle, organizing, DIY projects
How I thrive
Time with family and friends, audiobooks, walks with my dog, crafting projects
Bio
I grew up in Sonoma County and am so happy to be back in this beautiful part of the world. After spending three years in Chicago at Cook County Hospital and Near North Federally Qualified Community Health Center, I am thrilled to be completing my residency training as a part of the Kaiser Santa Rosa team. Prior to medical school, I spent three years at UCSF studying atypical dementias at the Memory and Aging Center. I am passionate about food as medicine and the role nutrition plays in healthcare. I also care deeply about health justice and providing healthcare to medically underserved communities. As a healthcare provider, I believe in empowering my patients to take an active role in their healthcare. My goal is to partner with my patients to achieve their health goals. By promoting preventative medicine and patient education, I aim to help each of my patients live their happiest, healthiest, most fulfilling life.
Pronouns
She/her/hers
Osvaldo Palomares, MD
Osvaldo Palomares, MD
Undergraduate
Johns Hopkins University, B.A. Biology
Medical Education
Rush Medical College
Interests
Community medicine, pipeline programs, and pediatrics
How I thrive
Spending time with family, thrifting, fishing, and cooking.
Bio
Growing up on the Sonoma Coast, I often served as a guide through the health care system for my immigrant parents. It was not until they received care at Kaiser Santa Rosa that they found their medical home, receiving culturally humble care in their own language. At Kaiser Santa Rosa, I get to work in a comprehensive, integrated system where healthcare plans are individualized to each patient with the support of the entire healthcare team. In addition, I get to learn directly from the individuals who have provided excellent care to my own family and community. My passion for Family Medicine and primary care developed prior to medical school, during my time at Next Generation Scholars, an educational non-profit in Marin County. My role was to connect families to the basic resources they required to ultimately help their child thrive academically. I believe this philosophy also applies to health care. My goal as a physician is to not only listen to and address the immediate issues that bring patients into the hospital, but to also connect them to resources to help optimize the barriers to health they may face to improve their health and that of their family."
Yimdriuska Magan Mendoza, MD, MPH
Yimdriuska Magan Mendoza, MD, MPH
Undergraduate Education
University of California, Merced, majoring in Human Biology
Medical Education
University of California, Davis
Interests
I am passionate about holistic health, reducing health disparities, women's health/gynecology and medical education
How I Thrive
Being outdoors, dancing, traveling, hiking, spending time with family and friends and trying new foods.
Bio
I was born and raised in Peru, and I moved to the United States when I was 16 years old to the beautiful Sonoma County. I attended the University of California, Merced and studied Human Biology. Afterwards, I pursued a Maters in Public Health from Touro University in Vallejo. During this time, I learned about health disparities and disease prevention strategies to improve the health of our communities. This motivated me to pursue a career in medicine. I attended the University of California, Davis for medical school. During this time, I volunteered at a student run clinic, which ignited my passion for Latinx health, women’s health and highlighted to me the importance of primary care to prevent chronic diseases. Upon graduation from medical school, I completed almost 2 years of Obstetrics and Gynecology residency. Realizing that I wanted to broaden my scope of practice, I transitioned to Family Medicine, and I am now part of the Kaiser Permanente Family Medicine Residency. I am excited to be back in Sonoma County and be able to take care of the whole family. I look forward to work together to form a partnership to improve your health and the health of our community with a focus on preventive medicine and wellness.
Pronouns
She/Her/Hers
Class of 2024
Eduardo Alvarado, MD
Eduardo Alvarado, MD
Undergraduate Education
University of California, Davis, majoring in Exercise biology
Medical Education
Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM)
Interests
Community medicine, Integrative medicine, Sports medicine, Latinx health
How I thrive
Family, friends, Northern California redwood trees & beaches, Sonoma County eateries/ wineries/ breweries, exercise, cooking
Bio
I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. As a son of immigrant parents, I was cognizant of the challenges of navigating the healthcare system from an early age. It was through my childhood experiences, and my love for health and science that I was inspired to pursue medicine as a career. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of California, Davis before venturing off to study at the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM). During college I was involved with Clinica Tepati, a student-run clinic that provides free healthcare to the uninsured population in Sacramento, CA. My experience volunteering with Clinica Tepati motivated me to become a health advocate for a diverse patient population. I chose to attend ELAM because I was inspired by Cuba’s distinguished universal healthcare system with a strong emphasis in preventive medicine. During medical school I developed a passion for family medicine because it offers opportunities for building effective relationships, patient education, and advocacy. Kaiser Permanente’s world-renowned integrated model enables me to provide preventive, evidence-based, and comprehensive care to patients and their communities. My philosophy of care is to treat my patients as I would my own familia. I am honored to join KPSRFMR and privileged to serve our communities.
Pronouns
he/him/el
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Thomas Dowlearn, MD, MBA
Thomas Dowlearn, MD, MBA
bio
I chose to practice medicine at Kaiser Permanente for its caring and inclusive culture, commitment to excellence, and for the unique opportunity to work in a fully integrated healthcare system. I am passionate about caring for vulnerable and marginalized communities to reduce health disparities, and I enjoy seeking ways to improve the patient experience. My areas of interest include: diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, depression, and anxiety. I also love the Spanish language and am working towards fluency. I earned my Master of Business Administration (MBA) in hopes of bridging gaps between medicine and business. I aim to shape my medical practice in a way that makes sense for everyone – patients and providers alike – and will drive better patient outcomes as a result. My philosophy of care is first and foremost to listen to the patient. Each person has a story worth listening to, and the better we listen, the better we will understand our patients and what they need. Successfully doing this will result in better care and health outcomes. I also firmly believe in working tirelessly to prevent, rather than react, to disease. By focusing on upstream behaviors, factors, and root causes of illness, I will help my patients achieve improved long-term health, independence, and happiness. I believe prevention is the key to building a healthier world.
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Simone Easterbrook, DO
Simone Easterbrook, DO
Undergraduate Education
University of California, Davis, majoring in Genetics
Medical Education
Touro University, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM), Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine, Mental Health, Community and Preventive Medicine, patient empowerment through personalized care
How I thrive
Finding joy and gratitude in all things big and small, staying busy, spending time with my husband and two kids, hiking, yoga, being outside, creative writing, edible mushroom foraging
Bio
Raised in Northern California with an upbringing that emphasized mind-body-spirit care and community health, I feel privileged to have the opportunity to give back to Sonoma County as both a Kaiser Permanente resident physician and community member with my family. Choosing KP’s family medicine residency program and integrated health care team to train with gives me the opportunity for patient-centered, comprehensive, and individualized care. I value this system that works FOR us, so we can focus our time and resources where it matters— with our patients. After retiring from a professional ballet career, I graduated from University of California in Davis. After witnessing the benefits of utilizing Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and integrative medicine in my small hometown primary care clinic as both an employee and patient there myself, I recognized the need for physicians with these unique skillsets. As a result, I was inspired to pursue my medical degree at Touro University in California. This gave me the opportunity to be awarded a Teaching Fellowship where I completed one additional year of medical training with a focus in OMM. Passionate about integrative medicine, I’ve also sought yoga teacher certification and summer integrative internships. I look forward to becoming proficient in Lifestyle and Integrative Medicine with KP’s robust residency curriculum. Participating within both local and global communities, from farming in NorCal to volunteering as a phlebotomist in a small Kenyan clinic to providing OMM in bay area shelters, I also see that an individual can only heal when their community is healed. I’m eager to be involved here in Sonoma County while training with KPSR’s supportive faculty and team environment, all united in wellness and beyond.
Pronouns
She/her
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Esther Funez Castro, DO, MPH
Esther Funez Castro, DO, MPH
Undergraduate Education
Calvin College, Grand Rapids MI, majoring in Biochemistry with Biology minor
Medical Education
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests
Being part of my community, mentoring, providing quality care to my patients, health education, and preventative medicine.
How I thrive
Family, evening strolls around the neighbor, bike rides, sunshine, nature, good food and ice cream!
Bio
I was born and raised in the beautiful country of Honduras. I moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to complete my undergraduate studies in biochemistry at Calvin College. My summer internship at an FQHC in Chicago sparked my interest in community medicine as it provided me with the opportunity to address the many health disparities and inequities I witnessed in Honduras. This passion was later confirmed when I worked as a medical assistant at a nonprofit clinic in Michigan. Realizing my calling to provide equitable and holistic health care to the Latinx community, I completed both my Masters of Public Health and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Michigan State University in Michigan. During my medical school years, I was a member of student organizations and local community organizations, which allowed me to provide health care to underserved populations and connect people to community resources. I am excited to continue working towards my life mission at Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa, where I will receive full-scope family medicine training that holistically treats patients and populations. My goal is to partner with individuals and communities to overcome structural challenges to health and achieve more fulfilling lives. Nací y crecí en el hermoso país de Honduras. Después de terminar la escuela secundaria me mudé al estado de Michigan donde completé mis estudios universitarios en Calvin College. Durante ese tiempo, tuve la oportunidad de hacer una pasantía en un centro de salud comunitario en la ciudad de Chicago. Allí aprendí más sobre mi interés en la salud comunitaria y me brindo la oportunidad de abordar las muchas disparidades e inequidades en salud que presencie en Honduras. Al darme cuenta de mi vocación en brindar atención medica equitativa y holística a la comunidad Latinx, completé una Maestría en Salud Publica y Doctorado en Medicina en Michigan State University. Durante mis años en la escuela de medicina fui miembro de organizaciones estudiantiles y comunitarias, lo cual me permitió brindar atención medica a poblaciones desatendidas y proveer recursos comunitarios a diferentes personas. Ahora que estoy trabajando en Kaiser Santa Rosa, estoy muy alegre de poder continuar con mi vocación y trabajo en proveer atención medica de manera integral, equitativa y holística con cada uno de mis pacientes y sus comunidades. "
Pronouns
She/her/ella
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Brian Gambardella, MD
Brian Gambardella, MD
Undergraduate
Boston University, Neuroscience
Medical School
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Interests
LGBTQIA+ health, health equity, health advocacy, clinical informatics
How I thrive
Hiking, skiing, cooking, gardening, spending time with family
Bio
In medical school, I enjoyed every rotation, and enjoyed building therapeutic healing relationships with patients. When it came time to apply to residency, I wanted a program that would train me to be a full-spectrum family doctor - capable of handling anything that came through my door - while also balancing time in the hospital with time at home, to achieve work-life synergy. KPSRFMRP does just that. We're the only residents in the hospital, so we are first in-line for all of the rare cases as well as procedures; and without night-float or 24-hour call, I have time outside the hospital to rejuvenate, and to be present with each patient. I've enjoyed the innovation our faculty bring to residency training - they're always willing to try something new. I've also loved being in Sonoma County - with ample access to hiking (amongst redwoods, or along the coast), world-class food and wine, and family-friendly activities like farmer's markets and county fairs. Outside of the hospital I enjoy cooking, trying out craft cocktails, or playing board games.
Pronouns
He, Him, His
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Cody Harry, MD
Cody Harry, MD
bio
I am from Pyramid Lake, NV. I grew up riding horses, playing on the family ranch, and enjoying time with my large Paiute family. In the summers, I would spend time on the Navajo Nation in Arizona with his maternal side. Here I would enjoy time with his grandmother who had no running water or electricity, speaking Navajo and herding sheep. This is the context that informed my passion for serving the medically underserved, people who experience injustice, and my understanding of health – which includes biological, social, spiritual, and environmental elements. I like to practice medicine in a way that is evidenced-based, but also influenced by my upbringing. I feel this helps me build a holistic understating of my patients.
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Class of 2023
Zachary Anderson, DO, MS
Zachary Anderson, DO, MS
Undergraduate Education
Georgia State University, majoring in Psychology
Medical Education
Touro University CA
Interests
Integrative medicine, osteopathic manipulative medicine, food as medicine
How I thrive
Spending time outdoors with my wife and animals in our garden, hiking and exploring CA, cooking and baking, and board games.
How I thrive
Spending time outdoors with my wife and animals in our garden, hiking and exploring CA, cooking and baking, and board games.
Bio
My path to medicine was roundabout. I have studied psychology, neurobiology, fine drawing, and animal husbandry, and was a marine biologist working on endangered sea turtle populations in Florida before finding my way back to medicine. During medical school, I found my love of primary care during my second and third years of school when I worked closely with housing-insecure populations around California through traveling clinics and found the breadth of clinic was more interesting than a single specialty could provide. Family Medicine gives me the privilege to practice medicine with people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and allows me to be a partner in my patients’ health as they move through the easy and tough times in their lives. I am very interested in integrative medicine, especially the topics of food as medicine, osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM), and other complementary approaches. I took an extra year of medical school to become an OMM teaching fellow and strengthen my knowledge by teaching first and second year medical students before starting residency. I still care very much about our housing and food-insecure populations locally, and plan to continue working with local organizations like Ceres Community and the Sebastopol gardens I was inspired to work here at Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa during my core clinical rotations here as a third-year medical student. The physician teachers here are the best I’ve seen anywhere and are truly passionate about the health of their patients as whole people and the education of our students and residents. I’ve seen enough success here that I specifically wanted to train and work in Santa Rosa when I graduated.
Pronouns
He/him
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John Callander, MD
John Callander, MD
College
University of Pennsylvania
Med School/Additional Degrees
Tulane University School of Medicine
Passions/Interests
Integrative Medicine, Culinary Medicine and Palliative Care
How I thrive
Cooking with friends and family, Hiking and Backpacking, Beer Tasting, Boardgames, Yoga, Hanging out in nature (BBQ, beach and river floats)
Ask Me About
Living in SF, couples matching, boardgames, cooking, the answer to life the universe and everything
Favorite thing about residency
The people, everyone you work with is amazing
Favorite thing about Sonoma County
Floating the Russian River! The restaurants and breweries are dope too
Bio
I grew up in the Bay Area and, prior to medical school, I worked with the San Francisco Free Clinic and the Boys and Girls Club of SF on nutrition and preventative medicine. I attended Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana for medical school. It was a wonderful opportunity because Tulane contains the Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine, one of the first centers dedicated to treating patients with chronic diseases through food and education. While in New Orleans I learned more about food as medicine both for treatment and disease prevention. I also expanded my interests beyond preventative medicine, learning about palliative care, hospice and integrative medicine. Towards the end of my time at Tulane I realized that all my interests coincided in family medicine and so I am excited to have the opportunity to work and learn at Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency. Kaiser is world renowned for its preventative medicine, so this is an amazing opportunity to learn from the best in the field and to continue to grow as a medical professional. I believe in treating the patient as a whole and working with each patient to develop a plan that works for them based on everything in their life. Working together to include different styles of medicine into a treatment plan can have amazing results and I find I’m happiest when working together with patients to create the ideal plan for them.
Pronouns
He/his/him
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Kimberly Hower, DO
Kimberly Hower, DO
Undergraduate Education
UC Davis, Exercise Biology + Spanish Minor
Med School Education
Touro University California, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests
Community Medicine, Women’s Health and Obstetrics, Preventive Medicine, Nutrition and Exercise
How I thrive
Exercise (home workouts, Peloton, running, yoga); Exploring the outdoors – hiking, camping, fishing; cooking/baking, beer and wine tasting, traveling, spending time with family/friends and my husband and cats, Loki and Thor
Bio
Growing up as a Kaiser Santa Rosa patient, I always admired the doctors that worked here and I am thrilled to finally be in their shoes as I fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming a physician. I chose to be a Family Physician because I value community and enjoy working with people of all ages and genders. During my undergraduate years at UC Davis and my medical training at Touro University California, I enjoyed volunteering at student-run free clinics, which allowed me to connect with the community while providing primary care and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment to deserving patients. Another medical interest of mine is teaching, as I feel this is the best way to not only pass on valuable knowledge to my patients and future generations of physicians, but also solidifies my own knowledge. In addition, community medicine, women’s health, preventative medicine, and point of care ultrasound give me great joy. I chose to train at Kaiser Santa Rosa because of its seamless, integrated system that allows multiple different health care workers and specialties to collaborate and create a multi-faceted, yet individualized care plan for patients. I will strive to collaborate with my patients in order to provide them the educational tools necessary to become confident in managing their health. I know that the nurturing support from my faculty and co-residents at Kaiser Santa Rosa will provide me with the best environment to learn and thrive!
Pronouns
She/her/hers
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Constantine Kulkoff, DO
Constantine Kulkoff, DO
College
University of San Francisco, Nursing School, BSN
Medical School/Additional Degrees
Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific 2016-2020
Passions/Interests
Medical: Integrative Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, cosmetic dermatology, osteopathic manipulative treatments Non Medical: Classical and electric Guitar playing, playing in a band, Gardening, Exercise, Water sports, wine/beer and new restaurants/foods tasting, water sports and activities, skiing and skating, ocean and lake beaches walks.
How I thrive
I live healthy lifestyle: exercise, healthy balanced diet, sleep well, enjoying my hobbies/passions/interests reduces my stress level.
Ask Me About
what do I do for healthy diet and exercise, how to learn to play classical and electric guitar, tips to feel better/sleep better, gardening, places to explore in San Francisco bay area
Favorite thing about residency
Very nice, patient and kind preceptors
Favorite thing about Sonoma County
Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency, pretty Redwoods, fruit trees, and grape vines, Warm climate, Warm and friendly people
Bio
I immigrated to the USA San Francisco from the former U.S.S.R. in 1992 when I was 16 years old. I worked for Kaiser Permanente San Francisco and CPMC Sutter Health St. Luke’s Hospital in San Francisco as an Emergency Department Registered Nurse for over a decade. The contrast between these 2 healthcare systems was stark. Whenever I worked at St. Luke's I called these workdays “Kaiser appreciation days”. I loved working for Kaiser because Kaiser San Francisco Emergency Department had at least twice as many nurses and doctors and technicians as St. Luke’s Hospital for the same number of patients, supplies were much more available and easier accessible at Kaiser, administration and support staff were much more available, happier and friendlier at Kaiser than at St. Luke’s. I just loved working for Kaiser and chose Kaiser as my main job and changed to per diem at St. Luke’s hospital (St. Luke’s was my 1 st nursing job. I started working there 2 years before I got hired as a per diem nurse at Kaiser.) I was ecstatic to rejoin Kaiser Permanente, after a 4-year break from working for Kaiser (went to medical school for 4 years), as a Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency Resident Physician. My dream is to become a Kaiser Permanente Northern California Family Medicine Physician after residency.
Pronouns
He/him
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Allison Noesekabel, MD
Allison Noesekabel, MD
College
University of California, Berkeley
Medical School
Wayne State University, School of Medicine
How I thrive
Family, Healdsburg Downtown Bakery, exercise
Ask Me About
Kids in residency, road biking, hiking
Favorite thing about residency
The great family/team approach and focus on resident wellness
Favorite thing about Sonoma County
The beaches, parks, road biking, lakes
Bio
I joined Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa in July 2020 as a resident physician, after gaining my bachelors at UC Berkeley and medical degree at Wayne State University School of Medicine. I grew up moving frequently, both internationally and within the US, but ended up in Northern California for the end of high school and bachelors and am very excited to be back in Sonoma County! While attending medical school in Detroit, I’ve seen how my broad background (living in six countries and attending thirteen schools!) helps me connect with patients, who each have a different set of life experiences and perspective that drive their health/health goals. I look forward to incorporating these learnings further into my practice in the diverse setting Sonoma county offers. Through an integrated system that aligns medical incentives, a championship of evidence-based medicine, and a slogan of “thrive” that is actually lived, Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa embodies a balance I strive for in medicine and life. I hope to work with my patients to find the balance that suits them. My interests include Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS), Preventative Medicine, and Sports/Wilderness Medicine.
Pronouns
She/her
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Gustavo Romero, MD
Gustavo Romero, MD
College
University of San Diego
Med School/Additional Degrees
Albany Medical College
Passions/Interests
Preventative and Community Medicine, Working with Underserved Populations, Health Education, and Behavioral Medicine
How I thrive
Hanging out with family and friends, exercise (running, hikes, sports, etc.), listening to music, exploring new places/restaurants, traveling
Favorite thing about residency
Definitely the people! There is such a supportive environment from fellow residents and faculty.
Favorite thing about Sonoma County
All the outdoor activities, great local eating, amazing breweries and wineries
Bio
I was born and raised in San Diego, CA. I attended the University of San Diego where I majored in Biology and double minored in Chemistry and Psychology. I also completed additional courses at UC Irvine before attending Albany Medical College in upstate New York. I am excited to return to Kaiser Permanente after working for the organization for a few years prior to medical school. I previously worked at Kaiser Bonita Pharmacy and Kaiser South Sacramento Home Health/Hospice. So when it came time to pick a residency, I knew Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa would be an excellent place for me to receive a full-spectrum, quality residency training. We share a patient-centered approach with the philosophy of compassionately treating people, not diseases. Kaiser is a leader in healthcare and research which grants me access to the best tools to care for my patients. I am especially interested in preventative and community health. I have a long history of working with health education initiatives and community outreach programs. My goal is to serve as an advocate for the underserved and work to bridge the health disparities that many communities face. I am excited for a career in Family Medicine because I genuinely enjoy establishing partnerships with patients that allow them to live their healthiest lives possible. Other interests include Adolescent Health and Sports Medicine.
Pronouns
He/him/his
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Class of 2022
Ishika Arora, DO
Ishika Arora, DO
pronouns
she/her
Undergraduate Education
University of California San Diego
Medical School
Touro University California
Passions/Interests
community medicine, women’s health, integrative medicine, cultural competency/humility in medicine, individualized care
How I thrive
dancing, singing, and grabbing a craft beer or wine tasting with family and friends
Bio
In college, I had the opportunity to major in Religious Studies in addition to the sciences. I studied many cultures, social structures, and religions; but the most important thing I learned was how important community is to the individual – whether it be a religious community, a family unit, or a neighborhood of friends. I believe it is especially vital in health, affecting mind, body, and spirit. I chose Family Medicine to be able to treat my patients in all stages of life within the context of their communities. Santa Rosa, being a small city that provides health care for many small surrounding towns, is an ideal place to practice community-centered family medicine. I became increasingly passionate about cultural competency and humility in medicine after doing research on how issues of social stigma are a huge barrier to care for individuals with alternative sexual identities. I chose Kaiser Santa Rosa because of the faculty and institution’s support for equitable, quality care for LGBTQ and other minority patients. I am also excited to be part of a system that not only promotes preventive medicine, but actually makes routine exams and testing accessible, and allows for better coordination of care with patients, nurses, pharmacists, and specialists all under one roof.
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Stephen Babson, MD
Family Medicine, Oregon
Stephen Babson, MD
Family Medicine, Oregon
pronouns
he/him
Undergraduate Education
Stanford University
Medical Education
Oregon Health Science University
Passions/Interests
Integrative Medicine, Addiction Medicine, Palliative Care, Yoga
How I thrive
Practicing self-care/yoga, connecting with patients, sharing stories
Bio
I am very excited and honored to begin my career with the Family Medicine Residency Program at Kaiser Permanente in Santa Rosa. Kaiser Permanente is a wonderful place to train as a physician because of its innovative, physician driven solutions and willingness to address the structural and social determinants of health that affect our communities. I was drawn to this residency because of the emphasis on dynamic critical thinking, community engagement and evidenced based medicine. While I am a native to the Pacific North West, I have called California my home for most of my adult life, living in and around the Bay Area. At Stanford University, I majored in Chinese Language and Literature, beginning a life-long interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine and integrative medicine. I attended Mills College’s Post-Baccalaureate pre-medicine program before returning to my home town of Portland, Oregon to attend Oregon Health Science University’s School of Medicine. During medical school, I was drawn to Family Medicine as it is the perfect combination of long-term relationship building with patients and longitudinal care that only primary care can provide. My experiences in medical school confirm my personal philosophy that we must look at our patients as a whole and the best way to do this is to truly form relationships. Trust between practitioner and patient is a cornerstone of medicine and one where family medicine practitioners can make the most difference in helping our patients. Patients don’t come to doctors to learn that smoking is bad; they already know this. They come to doctors because they need help and don’t believe they can change on their own. Listening to our patients’ needs and developing their trust allows for the therapeutic relationship to emerge. It helps to empower patients to make changes in their lives. I plan to pursue a fellowship in integrative medicine after residency. As someone with a lifelong fascination in Chinese medicine and as a former yoga teacher, I believe improving health is about using all the tools available to better treat the whole person. As a result, I am a proponent of exploring dietary, exercise and integrative medical therapies.
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Michelle Baer, MD, MS
FM-OBGYN Fellowship, Swedish Medical Center
Michelle Baer, MD, MS
FM-OBGYN Fellowship, Swedish Medical Center
Pronouns
she/her
Undergraduate Education
Cornell University
Medical Education
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Passions/Interests
exercise and nutrition, reproductive health and obstetrics, integrative medicine, health policy, and utilizing technology and media for health education
How I Thrive
spending time with friends and family, cooking and eating good food, staying active, spending time outdoors
Bio
I am excited to practice at Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa where I will train in full-scope family medicine and join a community that places a high value on patient care and relationships. Having spent most of my childhood on the east coast in New York and the tri-state area, I’m excited to explore everything Sonoma county has to offer. After graduating from college at Cornell University, I earned a master’s degree in nutrition from Columbia University before receiving my medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. I plan to incorporate my experiences in nutrition and fitness into my practice as a physician and take a holistic, cost-effective, patient-centered approach, with a focus on prevention and community medicine. My professional interests in medicine include women’s health, nutrition, integrative medicine, and disease prevention. I believe in building a strong doctor-patient relationship and utilizing joint decision-making to find sustainable ways to improve wellness and address health needs.
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Jenna Jorgensen, MD
Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente
Jenna Jorgensen, MD
Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente
pronouns
she/her
Undergraduate Education
UCLA
Medical Education
University of Vermont College of Medicine
Passions/Interests
maternal and child health, global/refugee health, palliative care, mental health, motherhood in medicine
How I thrive
I love to cook and often prepare dishes from Tanzania, where my adopted son was born. As a family, we love to hike, backpack, and camp. I also enjoy practicing yoga, jogging, and playing at the beach.
Bio
I grew up in California, spending many summers in the beautiful mountains of Northern California. I am delighted to be returning home after spending the last four years of medical school at the University of Vermont. Kaiser Santa Rosa particularly stood out to me as an excellent place to train and practice- supportive and joyful faculty and staff, high-quality full-scope training, and a large emphasis on preventative care. After graduating from UCLA, I lived in Tanzania for four years volunteering in an orphanage. I witnessed the reality of not having access to health care, which confirmed my goal in becoming a doctor. I recognized that I had the privilege and opportunity to attend a quality medical school, unlike most individuals in this developing country. I wanted to use this incredible opportunity to improve the lives of others, particularly underserved communities through culturally sensitive care. During this time, my husband and I decided to adopt our son. I am grateful for the strength and understanding that I have gained through being a mother in medicine. While attending medical school at the University of Vermont, I had the opportunity to return to Tanzania for a women’s global health elective and work closely with the refugee communities living in Vermont. I am passionate about caring for the wellbeing of the entire family unit. I believe that in order for the entire family to thrive, all individuals must be cared for and their unique needs addressed. I am honored to be a family medicine resident at Kaiser Santa Rosa!
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Ryan Wei, MD
FM-Sports Medicine Fellowship, UC San Francisco
Ryan Wei, MD
FM-Sports Medicine Fellowship, UC San Francisco
pronouns
he/him
Undergraduate Education
University of California, Irvine
Medical Education
Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Passions/Interests
Lifestyle Medicine and Preventative Medicine / Food is medicine, Sports Medicine, Hospice care
How I thrive
Cooking and sharing tasty meals with friends and family, getting outside to hike, bike, and trail run, going on loosely planned adventures.
Bio
Hello! I grew up down in Southern California and spent my undergraduate years studying business economics and playing guitar in Orange County. Before going to medical school, I spent several years working in a small business in Los Angeles and worked with high school students at a charter school. I chose Kaiser Permanente in Santa Rosa for residency because I want to learn and practice with a forward-thinking organization and team that puts an emphasis on prevention of disease with the technology and resources to efficiently treat and help patients live healthy, happy and fulfilling lives. This is important to me because during both my post-baccalaureate and medical school time, I was fortunate enough to team up with my colleagues and mentors to pursue my passion to create community cooking programs that emphasized fundamentals of cooking, trying new produce and ingredients, and the importance of community. One of my favorite aspects of the residency program is that the faculty and team in Santa Rosa are invested in creating a special program that ensures residents receive comprehensive training while maintaining the factors that make us whole people. On long days, I am grateful to be able to pedal my bike on fantastic roads and trails, and explore local parks with my partner and dog.
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Garyn Worrall, MD
Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente
Garyn Worrall, MD
Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente
Pronouns
he/him
Undergraduate Education
University of California, Berkeley
Medical Education
University of Vermont
Passions/Interests
Hiking, Mt. Biking, Climbing, Sailing, and Skiing
How I thrive
World travel and exploring nature with my family
Bio
I received my undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley and completed my medical education at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine. After 10 years in Vermont, I am excited to return to my home of Northern California and start my residency training. Growing up as a patient in the Kaiser Permanente system instilled a true appreciation for the focus on high quality integrated care, population health and wellness. I enjoy continuity and caring for multiple generations of families through different life stages. Building meaningful long-term connections with patients and families is an incredibly rewarding part of Family Medicine, and why I chose to become a physician. Santa Rosa is a wonderful place to begin this journey due to the abundance of outdoor activities, restaurants, and sense of community.
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Class of 2021
Alexis Hoffkling, MD
Family Medicine-OB, Colorado
Alexis Hoffkling, MD
Family Medicine-OB, Colorado
pronouns
she/her
Undergraduate Education
Williams College (Massachusetts)
Medical Education
University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine
Medical Interests
Integrative medicine, obstetrics, queer/trans health, spirituality in medicine, making healthcare more inclusive
How I Thrive
contra dancing, living and working in the community, good food, board games, communing with nature, speaking my truth, grounding in love
Bio
I can’t tell you how I am. But I can tell you I prefer my cheddar cheese sharp. I can’t tell you what I am, But I can tell you I like the way people’s eyes crinkle when they smile. I can’t tell who I am, But I can tell I’m more me than I used to be.
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Lauren Glaser, MD
Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente
Lauren Glaser, MD
Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente
pronouns
she/her
Medical Education
Creighton University School of Medicine
Undergraduate education
University of California San Diego
Additional Degrees
Medical Physiology Master’s Degree, Case Western Reserve University
Passions/Interests
community service, palliative care, global/local health
How I thrive
cooking with family, hiking, salsa dancing, board games with friends, the beach
Bio
I was born at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara and am thrilled to have come full circle in joining the medical community at Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa. It is with great joy that I have returned home to the Bay Area after being away for over a decade. I attended college at UC San Diego, where I studied Human Biology. Upon graduation, I joined the workforce of clinical research at Stanford University in Pediatric Endocrinology and then moved on to graduate school at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. I attended medical school at Creighton University School of Medicine, spending the first two years in Omaha, Nebraska and then on to Phoenix, Arizona where I completed the final two clinical rotation years. It is a great honor to be one of the six inaugural members of the Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency Program. Service to community, both locally and globally, is a passion of mine that began as a Girl Scout growing up in Sunnyvale, California. I took that drive with me during training to the refugee camps in Amman, Jordan and to the remote mountain camps of the Dominican Republic. I feel privileged to have joined the strong Sonoma County community and to be able to serve alongside those who have already done so much for the fire relief efforts. I strive to be my patients’ partner in health and my goal is to empower them with the tools they need to thrive. My particular medical interests include palliative care, behavioral health, women’s health, global health, and integrative medicine. In my spare time I enjoy cooking with family, yoga, hiking, camping, salsa dancing, playing board games with friends, kayaking, skiing, gardening, traveling, live music, reading in hammocks, and the beach.
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Elia Cole, DO
Urgent Care, Kaiser Permanente
Elia Cole, DO
Urgent Care, Kaiser Permanente
Pronouns
she/her
Undergraduate Education
Bard/Boston University
Medical Education
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
Additional Degrees
Master of Public Health
Passions/Interests
writing and creative self-expression, systems thinking and the future of healthcare, healing environments
How I thrive
humor, love, nutritious food, movement and time at the ocean or in the woods
Bio
I chose Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa so that I would learn to practice medicine in an environment focused on thinking critically about health system design. Prior to beginning the process of medical education, I received a Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies from Bard College in 2010 with an emphasis on Anthropology, Biology, and Economics. After college I worked for a few years in public health and eventually decided to pursue formal training in public health. In 2012, I attended Boston University School of Public health, where I studied International Health and Program Management. My hope was that this education would offer a valuable lens through which I would learn about the American medical system during my medical education. For medical school, I attended Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences-College of Osteopathic Medicine in Yakima, WA. During my clinical years, I completed clinical rotations within Interior Alaska and multiple regions across the lower 48 states. Throughout my graduate and medical studies, I have focused on health in underserved communities ranging from Appalachia to the Navajo Nation, and Washington, DC to Anchorage. In my fourth year of medical school, I converted a Dodge van (affectionately named “Vincent Van Go”) and completed requirements while traveling to clinics and hospitals across the country. These experiences motivated me to start a podcast, “The Primary Care Project”– a series of interviews with individuals from around the country regarding common values in healthcare and the future landscape of American primary care.
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Julet Baltonado, DO
Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente
Julet Baltonado, DO
Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente
pronouns
she/her
Undergraduate Education
Queens College, City University of New York
Medical Education
University of New England, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Passions/Interests
Women’s health, preventative care, integrative medicine, care for the underserved; Cooking, skiing, hiking and the outdoors, stand-up paddle boarding, traveling with my family
Bio
I decided to do my residency training at Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa because I believe in their mission to train full-scope family physicians to become leaders within a system that prioritizes wellness, health promotion, and community-based medicine. I chose Family Medicine because I value comprehensive care to families and communities. I enjoy building long-term relationships with my patients and their families. Ultimately, I want to partner with my patients so that they can achieve their long-term health goals and optimal health. My professional interests within medicine also include women's health, integrative medicine, and disease prevention. My philosophy of care aligns with my background as an osteopathic physician: First, that a person is a unit comprised of body, mind, and spirit. Second, that the human body has an innate ability for self-healing, self-regulation, and health promotion. I grew up in the Philippines and am a native speaker of English, Bisaya (Cebuano), and Tagalog. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and exploring the outdoor riches of Sonoma county.
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Daniel Ayala-Ortiz, MD
Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente
Daniel Ayala-Ortiz, MD
Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente
pronouns
he/him
Undergraduate Education
University of California, Davis
Medical Education
University of California, Davis, Medical School
Passions/Interests
exercise and nutrition, school-based health and pipeline programs, Latino health, community medicine
How I thrive
cooking, spending time with my wife, exercising and being outside
Bio
I was born and raised in the small town of Ukiah, California. I attended UC Davis for my undergraduate courses majoring in Exercise Biology and Chicano Studies. I loved my time at UC Davis so much that I stayed for medical school. I was part of a special track, Rural PRIME, with an emphasis on serving rural communities. As part of Rural PRIME, I completed a one-month rotation at Kaiser Santa Rosa during my fourth year. Upon completing this rotation, I know Kaiser Santa Rosa was the familia that I wanted to be a part of. I am passionate about advocating for my patients and am humbled at the opportunity to use my first language, Spanish, to connect with many families at Kaiser Santa Rosa. My philosophy on healthcare is a whole person approach. I believe that optimal health is achieved when the mind, body, and soul are in sync. I want to help my patients achieve their goals through healthy lifestyle choices and with preventative care. I am particularly interested in management of chronic diseases through exercise and nutrition. Being a doctor is a privilege and I am honored to practice medicine and help my patients achieve their health goals.
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Tracy Krinard, DO
Family Medicine, Petaluma Health Center
Tracy Krinard, DO
Family Medicine, Petaluma Health Center
Pronouns
she/her
Undergraduate Education
Dominican
Medical Education
Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Additional Degrees
Master in Public Health
How I thrive
spending time with my two-legged and four-legged family in the great outdoors, whale watching at Bodega Head, enjoying craft beer with friends, eating delicious farm-to-community meals
Bio
I chose Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Family Medicine Residency so I could continue my education in the art and science of medicine at a medical center that is both patient-focused and community-driven. I value the conversations I am able to have with my patients making joint decisions about their care, and discussing what wellness means to them. My passions for birth to death medicine, reproductive health and rights, palliative care and hospice, addiction medicine, and a love of learning about people and their lives and community lead me to pursue a future in family medicine. I graduated from Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine and College of Education and Health Science with my Doctor of Osteopathy/Masters in Public Health. I am a Sonoma County native and spent my childhood growing up on 80 acres in rural west county surrounded by cows and sheep. I live with my husband (also a medical professional) and menagerie (horses, goats, cats, and dog) in Sebastopol. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family (two-legged and four-legged), hiking, camping, casual biking, cooking, listening to audiobooks and podcasts, and playing board games.
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